Ghana’s Minister for Information, Hon. Fatimatu Abubakar, has officially inaugurated the third cohort of the Media Capacity Enhancement Programme (MCEP) at the University of Media Arts and Communication (UNIMAC) in North Dzorwulu on Wednesday September 11.
The third cohort will train 100 journalists in a hybrid meeting with 40 of the selected ones attending face to face and 60 joining virtually.
The program is pointed toward outfitting media professionals with cutting edge skills. This training is geared towards supporting the role of the media as the forth estate in Ghana’s democracy.
In her introductory statements at the social event, Hon. Fatimatu Abubakar, fixated on the significance of the media in nation-building, stressing that a well-informed and capable media is integral to Ghana’s democratic process.
“I am excited to see the commitment and enthusiasm of all the participants gathered here and online. This programme is not just a scheduled event; it is an essential step in enhancing our democracy and media environment”, the Minister said.
The Minister commended her predecessor, Hon. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah for establishing the groundwork for the program, which has become a foundation of media training in Ghana.
Media Capacity Enhancement Programme (MCEP) was first launched in January 2022, and plans to furnish media professionals with the skills important to propel the country’s turn of events.
The participants, including reporters, producers, social media executives, and media critics, were selected by an independent working committee. Over 100 journalists have benefitted from the training in previous cohorts.
The Minister mentioned that the MCEP brand has become well-known as a powerful tool for improving the work of Ghana’s practicing journalists. The UNDP and the British High Commission have also taken similar training initiatives.
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Members are supposed to take part in intelligent conversations and gain from experienced facilitators. Hon. Abubakar urged them to immediately jump all over the chance to expand their skills, focusing on the significance of keeping up with impressive skill and trustworthiness in their work.
“The media is a very strong instrument that carries a lot of responsibility. You have a vital responsibility to enlighten and educate the public, and you must do so with honesty and a dedication to the truth,” she urged.
The opening ceremony was attended by key stakeholders, including the Vice-Chancellor of UniMAC, the Chairperson of the National Media Commission, representatives from media associations, and various partners.
The four-day programme is supported by the Volta River Authority and MTN.
As the third cohort kicks off, participants are expected to take full advantage of the training, which would contribute significantly to their career development and the media landscape in Ghana.
The MCEP is set to end on Friday, September 13, 2024.
